As we settle into a new term, it is a great time to review and set homework routines at home to ensure students are successful in their bilingual education. Whilst homework is not compulsory, we encourage students to complete the homework set in French and in English to ensure the consolidation of skills learnt in class.

In French, learning the conjugation, practicing spelling words and reading are essential to our students’ success and confidence in their French. Conjugation, while it starts with simpler tenses, does increase in complexity over the years and setting up our students for success, having a strong foundation is essential. A little bit everyday goes a long way over the school years.

You can see our Tingalpa State School’s homework guidelines here.

Before School French reading support

This term we will be running before school French literacy support sessions with a focus on reading for our students in Year 2 and Year 3. The aim of these sessions is to help students build their confidence in reading in French. Families of students invited to participate in the sessions were emailed at the beginning of the week.

Prix du Civisme for Year 5 & Year 6 students

As a primary school where French is taught, we have received a letter from the Australian section of the French National Order of Merit (ANMONM) letting us know that applications are now open for the Prix du Civisme.

The Ordre National du Mérite was founded by General De Gaulle on December 3, 1963. The order is designed to acknowledge those who have made an outstanding contribution to society in both civil and military domains. Providing exceptional service to others, to the nation, selflessly and on a volunteer basis are hallmarks of the order.

The aim of the Prix du Civisme is to encourage young people to undertake projects to assist others. These may be actions of personal courage, projects and actions to benefit the wider community both in Australia and abroad, projects and actions designed to protect the environment and wildlife or reduce pollution or waste and emissions, and projects aimed at helping the disadvantaged in our communities reflecting the values of ‘liberty, equality and fraternity’.

The 2024 first prize winners for Years 5/6 (Leyla Mackenzie- Aranda Primary School) and Years 9/10 (Anita Kumar- Canberra Grammar School) participated in a range of activities including volunteering at a soup kitchen to help the homeless, volunteering at the Red Cross, and corresponding with elderly citizens in Canada.

We will be talking about this project to our Year 5/6 students next week however, you are welcome to bring it to your child/ren’s attention if you think it could be something they are interested in. I will be sharing the information pack with families next week.

You can find some more information about this project here.

New resources

French Teacher Aide Needed

Whites Hill State College is currently looking for French speaking Teacher Aides to join their French Bilingual Program from this term.

French Learning Assistants work closely with the classroom teacher to provide in class learning support.

Requirements: Blue card and criminal history check

Opportunity to work full-time or part-time and to complete a Certificate III in Education Support while working.

Resume to be sent to exvan10@eq.edu.au